All Activities
Physical Education

Shadow Chase

Overview

Children use sunlight and shadows to play chasing and dodging games outdoors.

Learning Objective
Children develop running and direction skills through shadow-based chasing games.

Resources needed

  • Sunny outdoor space

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Ask children to find their shadow and wave at it.
  2. 2 Try to step on your own shadow — run, it follows you!
  3. 3 Pairs: try to step on your partner's shadow.
  4. 4 Partner tries to protect their shadow by moving to face the sun.
  5. 5 Whole class: one child tries to step on as many shadows as possible in 30 seconds.
  6. 6 Discuss: when is your shadow longest? When is it shortest?
  7. 7 Cool down: children sit in their shadow and watch it.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Groups join hands — protect the whole group's shadows.
  • Try to make your shadow as tall as possible, then as small as possible.
  • Shadow tag: tagged player freezes until their shadow is freed.
More information

Teach: shadow, step on, protect, sun, behind, in front. The physical experience makes meaning clear without complex language.

Slower-moving children can be the judges — they call out whose shadow was stepped on.

Are children changing direction to protect their shadow? Do they understand that facing the sun shortens the shadow?

Completely free. Works anywhere with sunlight. Best on a sunny morning or afternoon when shadows are long.

Children sometimes think stepping on the shadow means touching the person. Clarify: step on the shadow on the ground — no touching people.

Cross-curricular with science (light and shadows). An outdoor activity that works best at particular times of day — a good discussion starter.

Activity details
Early Years Easy 15 minutes no prep Whole Class, Pairs Outdoor
Topics
Running Direction Outdoor Learning